Sale Sharks will be making four changes to their lineup for the upcoming match against Northampton Saints. Dan du Preez will be starting for the first time since January, while Waisea Nayacalevu returns in the centres. Additionally, prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour and winger Tom O’Flaherty will be back in the Sharks side after their win against Newcastle. Luke James will also be featured on the replacements bench for the first time this season.
Opoku-Fordjour will be replacing James Harper in the front-row, joining Si McIntyre and Luke Cowan-Dickie, who was recently named in the England squad. Ernst van Rhyn will be moving from the back-row to the second-row, partnering with Hyron Andrews. Skipper Ben Curry and his brother Tom will be starting alongside Dan du Preez in the back-row.
In the backline, Gus Warr will start at scrum-half with Rob du Preez at fly-half. Sam Bedlow will be in the centres alongside Fiji skipper Nayacalevu. O’Flaherty will be starting on the wing in place of the injured Arron Reed, joining Tom Roebuck and last week’s player of the match Joe Carpenter in the back three.
On the replacements bench, Ethan Caine, Tumy Onasanya, and James Harper will cover the front row, with Ben Bamber and Sam Dugdale covering the rest of the forwards. Nye Thomas, Tom Curtis, and Luke James will be the replacement backs.
This lineup change brings a mix of experience and fresh talent to the Sale Sharks team, adding depth and versatility to their playing options. With key players returning and others stepping up to fill in positions, the team is looking strong and ready to take on Northampton Saints in what promises to be an exciting match. Fans can expect an intense and competitive game as both teams vie for victory on the field.